Hartley puts soul into Hoops

Paul Hartley admits forcing his way into the Celtic first team will be a massive task.

However, after waiting years for his dream move to Parkhead, he insists he is up for the challenge.

The midfielder, 30, completed a £1.1m (€1.7m) switch from Hearts on transfer deadline day, signing a two-and-a-half year deal with the Scottish champions.

He is also hoping to be thrown straight into Sunday’s Tennent’s Scottish Cup tie at Livingston – despite Celtic already boasting a wealth of talent in midfield.

He said: “First and foremost, I have to try to impress. There is a lot of competition for midfield berths but I will work hard to show I’m a good player. I’m available for Sunday and, hopefully, I’ll be involved.

“It’s not really sunk in yet.”

He added: “I’m a Celtic supporter and to play for your boyhood team is a dream come true. I didn’t think it would ever happen. When Celtic came in two years ago and the bid was rejected, I was on a bit of a downer.

“I had handed in a transfer request at Hearts and I thought the move had passed me by but I’m glad the manager had faith in me and I now have to repay that faith to him and to the supporters.”

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan insists he had no intention of giving up the chase until he finally had his man.

He said: “He brings energy, goals and personality to the team. We could not ignore him and, once we found out there was a chance to get him, we couldn’t ignore it.

“I tried to get him when I first came here, although it didn’t materialise. I was never going to turn a blind eye to him. I have always shown admiration for Paul and, as I said, he was the first guy I tried to sign when I first got here.

“We started to put the ball in motion again a couple of days ago, oblivious to what was happening elsewhere. When there are good players around, especially in the Scottish league, you will tend to find that the same teams are after them.

“The price wasn’t right the last time. I actually didn’t think it would be possible to get him now and I wouldn’t have thought three months ago that I’d be sitting here now with Steven Pressley and Hartley.”